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Show Public hearing set for State Gov't reorganization proposals A public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Wed-nesday, August 6, 1980, at 10 a.m., in the Chamber of Commerce, 286 North Main for the purpose of explaining proposals for changes and issues still under study by the Committee on Executive Reorganization. The Committee is a citizen's panel appointed by Governor Scott M. Matheson and funded by the Legislature whose purpose is to achieve ' through reorganization, a simplification of the complex structure of the executive branch of government. A study cycle began in June 1978 in three areas: Executive Management, Social Services and Natural Resources. A fourth area was added recently to review Employment and Public Safety. Study results will be presented to the 1981 General Session of the Utah State Legislature. Below are N the recommendations for the reorganzation of the Natural Resoures & Energy Departments and . . the State Building Board. ENERGY REORGANIZATION OPTIONS FOR STATE GOVERNMENT The Committee on Executive Reorganization has' released preliminary recommendations .: , outlinefng three alter) natives f o t reorganization of energy and natural resources for, Utah State Government' "Energy concerns are critical to all parts of the state and all sectors of the. economy. Presently there is no structure in government to respond quickly and effectively to the enormous potential energy developments projected and still maintain sound management of its natural resources," said subcommittee chairman, Dr.- Kent Colton, Provo. After a year study, the Reorganization Committee Com-mittee . has concluded the state agencies involved in-volved , with natural resources have been performing their tasks as assigned,, but with rapid developments taking place, present agencies are "too fractionalized" to be effective, the Committee said. , .Under . present organization, the Department of Natural ; Resources, formed in J967, is comprised of 11 divisions along with subordinate agencies and advisory boards all dealing with energy matters. Problems occur because there is little coordination and because the Department Director trf-Natural Resources is given minimal powers over the various energy activities. In 1977, to coordinate energy activities, the legislature created the Energy Conservation and Development Council comprised of citizens, ; legislators and ex-officio state agency staff. The ' council serves on a part-time part-time basis. Its staff was expanded by executive arder of the governor tp create- the Utah Energy Office in March 1978. The Committee said it is pleased with the progress of the Energy Council Conservation and Development Council in the areas of facility siting, conservation and some development-oriented development-oriented programs, yet frustrated at the lack of progress in establishing an energy policy for the state and preparing plans for its implementation. As a first step in defining the state's role in the energy and natural resources areas, the Committee has recommended, recom-mended, and Governor Matheson has established,- a Sub-cabinet Sub-cabinet Energy Committee. Com-mittee. The Energy Committee will serve to aid the governor in implementing im-plementing state energy policy. ' , The Committee said it is essential to ensure a ; proper balance between conservation : and development and to formulate policy for cooperation of federal, state and local government, govern-ment, industry and the citizenry. v .-Reorganization is suggested by . adopting one of three alternatives: 1. Establishing a Department of Energy. 2. Establishing a Department of Energy & Minerals, 3. Reorga'nizating the Department of Natural Resources to include Energy. The Committee will discuss the three alternatives alter-natives at Public - Hearings throughout the state in July and August. Other changes in state government in areas of Executive Management, Health, Social Services, Public Safety and Employment Em-ployment will also be covered at the hearings. The State Building Board is presently the focus of two independent examinations by the Committee on Executive Reorganization and the Utah Legislative State and Local Affairs Interim Study Committee. The Reorganization Committee study is part of a plan to form a new Department of Administrative Ad-ministrative Services using the Department of Finance as a foundation. "If a new Department of Administrative Services Ser-vices is established, it seems reasonable that some of the functions now administered by the Building Board could be consolidated into the new department," said Robert G. Arnold, Reorganization Executive Services Subcommittee chairman. The Reorganization Committee proposed the Building Board service Junctions, of lease approval, ap-proval, space planning, supervision of construction, con-struction, repair and maintenance be tran-sfered tran-sfered to the new Department of Administration. Ad-ministration. The proposal calls for the Building Board to be attached to the new " department but to function func-tion independently formulating the state ten-year ten-year building program and awarding construction con-struction contracts. Chairman . of the Building Board, Claude E. Summerhays responding to the proposed changes agreed some services could be transferred, but said, "it would be foolish to separate the functions of awarding contracts, supervising construction and carrying the project through completion." Due to inflation and resulting rapid rises in construction costs, the Building Board has adopted the "fast tract" method of construction of projects. These projects require prescision control and could not be used to advantage if contract awards and supervision of projects become separate functions, said Summerhays. "Whoever formulates construction contracts must carry it (the project) through fruition. If the functions are separated, who is going to be responsible?"said Summerhays. Under the present system, the Building Board is ah independent office making it accessible ac-cessible to government agencies and educational institutions. The board serves a buffer role Iwtween special interest groups and the governor or legislature. Interested parties are encouraged to comment or make suggestions by introducing information or additional options for changes in government structure. Information on present studies is available at 105 State Capitol or by calling 533-5865. |